The event was planned before the California shootings, but officers say it's always a great time to get more training. A number of specialists from local agencies spent the afternoon on a mock hostage standoff.

"So when the real situation comes, we know how all of the parts can work together," Sergeant Shawn Marx of the Clay County Sheriff's Office said,

Situations like the one in California highlight the need for officers to have updated training, and constantly refine those skills.

"As much as California was on our minds, so was the courthouse shooting in the Northeast this week also. It's very timely that we are trying to beef up our security in Clay County," Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler said.

At today's event at Everest University, guns were on guard, as officers negotiated the stand-off. A reminder for these officers they always have to be prepared.

"It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when it's going to happen here. It could happen anywhere," Marx said.

Crews put message boards along Wells Road warning people this is just a training exercise. Still, some people had questions.